A type of giant rhubarb is threatening rare native plants in Taranaki.
The Chilean rhubarb grows in thickets that block sunlight from getting to any plants underneath.
The main focus of the Department of Conservation is eradicating it from areas where it is affecting native plants.
DoC is using abseilers along the South Taranaki coastline to get rid of the plants before they go to seed.
The department says the infestation is getting worse every year and it is unlikely it can be eradicated completely.
Ranger Barry Ovenden told Summer Report that the plant has been in the Taranaki region for about 10 years and now covers about 40km of the southern coastline.
He said it is also a recognised problem in England and Ireland.
